About the Project
Saving Lives . . .
A Critical Demand
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that the United States is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care increases. This shortage of qualified nurses threatens the future of quality healthcare in our region and across the nation.
Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing colleges and universities across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for nursing care. In addition, a national survey conducted by the Bernard Hodes Group in 2006 confirms that more than 55 percent of nurses nationally will reach retirement age between 2011 and 2020. This projected shortage will impact all of Nebraska.
According to a feasibility study conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in cooperation with Northeast Community College and Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, multiple demographic findings emphasize the need for accessible and advanced educational opportunities in the northern region of Nebraska:
- The demand for registered nurses (RNs) in Nebraska is projected to increase 25 percent by 2020.
- The northern region of Nebraska has the most significant shortage of RNs and BSNs in the state. The shortage of BSNs is especially critical for meeting the needs of community/public health and acute level hospital care.
- The northern region also has the most notable shortage of advanced practice nurses and master of science
(MSN-prepared) registered nurses, especially in mental health, community/public health, primary care, acute care, and nursing education. - The northern region has a growing demand for health care based on an aging population.
Changing Lives . . .
Historical Success Leads Way to New Partnership
By joining forces, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Northeast Community College will address the projected nursing shortage and increase the quality of health care in the region by creating a new UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division. The project will allow students to reach six different levels of education, ranging from a Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate to a Ph.D. in nursing, for the first time ever in northern Nebraska – creating a fifth College of Nursing Division for UNMC and a new state-of-the-art training facility for Northeast Community College’s basic nurse aide, licensed practical nursing, and associate degree nursing programs.
The joint facility will serve approximately 50 ADN students, up to 48 BSN students, and up to 20 graduate-level students each year. This translates into approximately 118 nursing graduates each year.
An Affordable and Accessible Partnership
The College of Nursing Northern Division will allow greater access to students in the region, particularly to place-bound students. Students will be able to transition seamlessly from associate’s degree coursework to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level nursing coursework in one location. Additionally, area nurses who wish to obtain advanced degrees will be able to do so without leaving northeast Nebraska.
Northeast Community College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center offer comparatively lower tuition rates than other health care educators in the Midwest. UNMC’s resident tuition per credit hour in 2007-08 is $169.50 for undergraduate students and $224.00 for graduate students, whereas private institutions may cost up to $600.00 per credit hour for undergraduate tuition. Northeast Community College’s resident tuition in 2007-08 is $62.00 per credit hour.
Enriching Our Communities for Generations to Come . . .
Retaining Young Professionals in our Local Communities
Statistics tell us that once a college student leaves home for an education, he or she often does not return. The College of Nursing Northern Division will be close to home and will help keep nursing graduates in the area. It will also be a source of many well-paying jobs as UNMC attracts faculty to the region who will in turn train a better-educated regional work force who can also expect well-paying positions in area health care facilities. The new facility will also provide classrooms, laboratories, and state-of-the art equipment for Northeast’s nursing program and for use by area healthcare providers.
Bringing the University System into our Region
The College of Nursing Northern Division will bring the University system into our region in a greater way than ever before. When this partnership is proven successful, this facility may serve as a potential site for additional health-related programs.
Location and Scope of Project
The UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division will be located on Northeast Community College’s campus in Norfolk, Nebraska, along Benjamin Avenue
(see campus map). Northeast’s existing campus consists of 22 buildings across 771 acres (including the College farm) for a vast array of student programs ranging from technical and vocational training to liberal arts and college transfer course offerings. The new College of Nursing facility will create additional space for Northeast’s health care training and allow for increased student-enrollment capacity.
The UNMC Facilities Planning and Construction Department projected this joint center would require 34,973 square feet at a cost of $10,760,820, including equipment and furnishings. Northeast Community College will donate the land, valued at $500,000, for construction of the facility. Additional project costs including site development, infrastructure, and financing bring the projected total to $12,900,000. Northeast Community College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will provide funds required for ongoing programming and operational costs.
The Challenge . . .
Northeast Community College is a state-assisted institution, not one supported totally through state appropriations. While state dollars provide funding for basic programs and services, initiatives such as the College of Nursing Northern Division would be impossible without the support of private donors.
Key business and community leaders from across Nebraska are giving their time, money, and efforts to make this capital campaign a success. Your enthusiastic support is vital. Significant and thoughtful gifts are essential to achieve the campaign’s goal of $12.9 million and to assure that the College of Nursing Northern Division becomes a reality.